Physiotherapeutic device



Nov. 3, 1936. P. M. THOMAS PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIG DEVICE Filed Nov. 2, 1935 fzvenioi" Patented Nov. 3, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC DEVICE Perry M. Thomas; Elgin, 111.

Application November 2, 1935, :Serial No. 47,951

9 Claims. (Cl. 128-184) This invention relates to physio-therapeutic devices of the kind particularl adapted for administration of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and the like for the treatment of dis-' eases, infections and the like.

'It is often desirable to introduce oxygen or other gas into the blood stream as in the treatment of persons suffering from pneumonia.

Heretofore it has been the custom to place the person in an enclosure, commonly referred to as an oxygen tent, and to regulate the atmosphere in the enclosure so that it will be high in oxygen. This is expensive particularly because of the relatively large quantity of gas that need be used and, in many instances, due to the congested condition of the respiratory organs it has been found that insufficient oxygen reaches the lungs. It is the primary object of this invention to overcome these and kindred objections and diffi culties and to facilitate the administration of oxygen or other gases.

Another important object is to enable the administration of a. measured quantity of oxygen or other gas so that it may be administered as desired or required and thereby enable close control of the treatment and reduce the entailed expense by avoiding unnecessary losses of gas.

Further objects are to withdraw gas from a high pressure source and to reduce the pressure thereof so as to enable proper administration; to indicate directly the quantity of gas available for administration; and to indicate and control the administration pressure so that the gas may be properly administered.

Stillfurther objects are to provide a novel compact device of simple and economical construction which may be easily transported and employed in the administration of gases; to afford a compact source of gas which may be easily. transported with the device; and to enablesubcutaneous, rectal or other administration of gas. A selected embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing where- Fig. 3 is a rear elevation in which certain parts are broken away;

Fig. is a topplan; and

line 5- -5 on Fig. 2. a

The embodiment of my invention illustrated .in the accompanying drawing includes a front panel P and'a base 13 that are adapted to be- Fig. 5 is a sectional detail view of a valve used'in'the'device and taken substantially on the mounted in a suitable casing C to facilitate transportation thereof, and the various instrumentalities included in my device are mounted on the panel P and. base B whereby a self-contained portable device is provided. 5

A block 6 is mounted on the base B along one side of the panel P and is suitably joined to both the base and the panel. A plurality of sockets S is provided in the block-each of which opens through the panel but is closed at its rear end and serves as a receptacle in which gas containing cylinders I may be stored so that an adequate supply of gas may be transported with the device. The cylinders I are small easily handled containers in which gas at high pressure may be stored and are provided with threaded bosses 8 in each of which there is a valve stem 9 of a suitable valve regulating flow to and from. the cylinders I.

A tubular body II] is mounted in an opening 20 which extends transversely across the block 6 and has a plate II' at one end thereof secured in a countersunk recess in the outer side face of the block 6. .A bore I2 extends longitudinally through the body I0 and is enlarged and tapped as indi- 25 cated at I3 at its outer end so that the boss 8 of .a cylinder I may be screwed thereinto. A hollow stud I4 extends into the tapped part I3 of the bore I2 and is projectable into the boss 8 to engage the valve stem 9 when the gasket I5 30 at the free end of the boss 8 seats at the bottom of the tapped part I3 of the bore I4 whereupon the valve connected to the stem 9 is unseated and gas may flow from the cylinder I through the hollow stud I4 into the bore I2, the seating of 35 the gasket I5 preventing undesirable gas leakage.

A check valve I1 is provided in the bore I2 and is unseated by the pressure of gas flowing into the bore. Gas flows past this unseated valve to a fitting I8 mounted in the enlarged inner end of said bore. A tube I9 interconnects the coil 2 0,with the fitting I8, said coil 20 serving as a storage and compensating chamber, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. A pressure gauge 2I is mounted in the panel P and a tube 22 interconnects this gauge with the coil 20.

A pressure reducing valve 23 includes a base 24 that extends through the coil 20 and rests upon the baseB and it is fastened to said base by a screw 25 or the like. This pressure reducing valve may be of the kind shown in the patents to Bastian, 1,217,901, patented March 6, 1917 or 1,394,395; patentedOctober 18, 1921, although any suitable pressure reducing valve may be employed.- The valve 23 includes a high pressure inlet 26 and a tube 2'! interconnects this inlet with the coil 29.

The pressure reducing valve also includes a low pressure outlet 28 in which a valve 29 is fast. The valve body 29 has a tapered bore 30 therein in which a tapered valve member 3| is retained by a cap nut 32 through which the stem 33 of the valve 3| projects. The cap nut 32 is disposed in an opening 34 in the panel P. The stem 33 extends beyond the panel and has a handle 35 mounted thereon. Suitable indicia, such as the word Ofi and an arrow with which the word Increase is associated, is provided on the panel P and the handle 35 is so connected to the stem 33 that registration of the handle with the indicia indicates the position of the valve 3|.

An outlet opening 36 is povided in the valve body 29 and a groove 3! in the periphery of the valve member 3| is aligned therewith. The groove 31 is of gradually increasing depth and is so positioned that when the handle 35 is aligned with the word Off on the panel P it is entirely out of communication with the outlet opening 36. An axial bore 38 extends into the valve 3| from the inner end thereof to a point beyond the groove 37 and a transverse bore 39 in the valve establishes communication between the groove 31 and the bore 38. When the handle 35 is moved in the direction of the arrow on the panel P, successively deeper portions of the groove 3'! are brought into communication with the outlet opening 36 with the result that increasingly greater quantities of gas may flow from the outlet of the valve 23 through the bores 38 and 39 and groove 3'! to the outlet opening 36. A valve of this kind enables close control of the flow of gas to the outlet opening 36 and affords very close control of the administration of the gas.

A tube 49 leads from the outlet opening 36 to a suitable fitting 4| joined to a body 46 mounted in the block 6 and extending transversely thereacross above the body ID. The body 42, like the body I0, includes a plate 43 that is mounted in a countersunk recess in the outer face of the block 6. The body 42 is enlarged near the plate 43 and provides a clamp socket 44. Communication is established between the socket 44 and the fitting 4| through a bore 45 in the body 42.

A suitable pressure indicating device such as a manometer M is mounted on the panel P and suitable indicia is provided on the panel in association with the displayed indicating part of the manometer. A tube 46 establishes communication between the manometer and the fitting 4| so that pressure in the tube 40, fitting 4| and bore 45 may be indicated.

A fitting 41 is adapted to be seated in the socket 44 and a tube 48 or the like is connected to this fitting. A fitting 49 or other suitable device is provided at the free end of the tube 48. A needle is adapted to be attached to the fitting 49 when the device is used for subcutaneous injections or a suitable nozzle'can be attached to this fitting when the device is to be used for rectal or nasal administration or the like.

The gauge 2| is so calibrated that it indicates the quantity of gas stored in the device and this is attained by providing the coil 2|] which serves as a compensating chamber. This coil is so sized relatively to its capacity and the capacity of the other parts in the high pressure side of the 'device that when a predetermined pressure is registered on the gauge 2| a predetermined quantity of gas will be stored in the high pressure side of the device, the compensating chamber in effect affording a calibration so that for each given gas pressure a predetermined quantity of gas stored in the device will be indicated on the gauge 2|.

When the device is not in use the cylinders 1 are stored in the sockets S and the fitting 41 is disconnected from the socket 44, and this fitting together with the tube 48 and the fitting 49 are stored in a compartment conveniently provided in the casing C. The needles, nozzles and the like to be used with the fitting 49 may also be stored in the casing C, if so desired.

In the use of the device, it is first determined how much gas it is desirable to administer and then the boss 8 of one of the containers 1 is fitted into the tapped part |3 of the bore l2 and gas is caused to flow from the container into the coil 20, pressure reducing valve 23 and associated parts in the high pressure side of the device. The quantity of gas admitted is indicated on the gauge 2| and when the desired quantity of gas has been admitted the container 1 is backed up so as to disengage the valve stem 9 from the stud l4 whereupon the valve associated with the stem 9 and the valve I! close, the valve peventing escape of gas from the device through the tapped part |3 of the bore I2. The container 1 may at this time be disconnected and returned to one of the sockets S or it may remain fitted in the tapped part I3 of the bore l2 so as to be ready for use if and when another charge of gas is to be introduced into the device.

The fitting 41 is then seated in the socket 44 and a needle or nozzle is attached to the fitting 49. In a subcutaneous administration a needle attached to the fitting 49 is inserted under the skin of the patient and then the handle 35 is rotated whereupon gas at low pressure flows to the fitting 49. The back pressure, that is to say, the pressure at which the gas is being administered, is indicated on the manometer M and the operator will observe the pressure so indicated and by manipulating the handle 35 will regulate the flow of gas so that it will not be administered at an excessively high rate or pressure.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that I have provided a compact device in which all of the necessary devices including a supply of gas are conveniently arranged to be transported easily. Compactness is attained by the advantageous arrangement of parts such as, for example, the nesting of the compensating coil about the pressure reducing valve and the mounting of the flow control valve on the pressure reducing valve. These features contribute to sturdiness in the device as well as to compactness.

Furthermore, the storage and compensating coil enables the gauge communicating with the high pressure side of the system to be calibrated in such a manner that the quantity of gas in the device is indicated, thereby enabling the operator to determine directly the quantity of gas available which enables a definite quantity of gas to be administered. Since the gas containers are of such a size that they may be gripped in the hand it is apparent that the flow of gas therefrom may be accurately controlled for a device so sized may be rotated easily and such movement controls flow therefrom.

Inasmuch as the gas may be directly administered to the patient it is not necessarv to use an enclosure such as an oxygen tent or the like and inasmuch as only so much gas as will be used is withdrawn from the supply and since escape of this gas is prevented it is apparent that the quantity of gas consumed for a given result is relatively small and this renders the device economical to use. By reason of the accurate and close control of flow afforded by the outlet control valve and the indication of the pressure of administration, the likelihood of improper use is reduced to a minimum as is the likelihood of injury to the patient.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that it is capable of variation and modification and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth but desire to avail myself of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and having a pressure reducing valve therein, means communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including means to which a source of gas may be connected whereby a charge of gas may be admitted into said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means. being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means .as .a charge whereby the magtitude of the charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, and means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled.

2. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and having a pressure reducing valve therein, means communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including a member to which a source of gas may be connected, said member having valve means therein for preventing escape from said other means through said member of a charge of gas admitted into said other means from said source past said valve means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of the charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, and means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled.

3. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and having a pressure reducing valve therein, means communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting to which a gas .administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including a member to which storage means having valve means therein may be movably connected, said storage means affording a source of gas, valve means in said member, the valve means in said storage means and said member being operable upon movement of said storage means and said member in one direction to admit gas from the storage means into said other means and being operable upon movement of said storage means and said member in the opposite direction to close ofi fiow of gas from said storage means and through said member from said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of the charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, and means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled.

4. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and having a pressure reducing valve therein, interconnecting means communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including means to which a source of gas may be connected whereby a charge of gas may be admitted into said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of the charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, means in the interconnecting means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled thereby, and other means in the interconnecting means for indicating the pressure at which the gas is administered.

5'. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and having a pressure reducing valve therein, interconnecting means communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including a member to which storage means having valve means therein may be movably connected, said storage means affording a source of gas, valve means in said member, the Valve means in said storage means and said member being operable upon movement of said storage means and said member in one direction to admit gas from the storage means into said other means and being operable upon movement of said storage means and said member in the opposite direction to close off flow of gas from said storage means and through said member from said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of the charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, means in the interconnecting means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled thereby, and other means in the interconnecting means for indicating the pressure at which the gas is ad ministered.

6. A portable physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and comprising a casing, a pressure reducing valve in said casing, means in said casing communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting opening exteriorly of said casing and to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means in said casing communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and including means opening exteriorly of said casing and to which a source of gas may be connected whereby a charge of gas may be admitted into said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of a charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, and means positioned exteriorly of said casing for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of the charge of gas may be controlled thereby.

'7. A portable physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gases and comprising a casing, a pressure reducing valve in said casing, interconnecting means in said casing communicating with the low pressure side of said valve and including a fitting opening exteriorly of said casing and to which a gas administering needle, nozzle or the like may be connected, and other means in said casing communicating with the high pressure side of said valve, a member opening exteriorly of said casing to which storage means having valve means therein may be movably connected, said storage means affording a source of gas, valve means in said member, the valve means in said storage means and said member being operable upon movement of said storage means in said member in one direction to admit gas from the storage means into said other means and being operable upon movement of said storage means in said member in the opposite direction to close ofi flow of gas from said storage means and through said member from said other means, said other means also including a pressure gauge and storage and compensating means, the storage and compensating means being sized to calibrate the gauge to indicate directly the quantity of gas admitted into said other means as a charge whereby the magnitude of a charge of gas admitted into said other means is indicated on said gauge, means positioned exteriorly of said casing and in the interconnecting means for controlling the discharge of gas to the needle, nozzle or the like whereby the administration of gas may be controlled thereby, and other means in the interconnecting means and positioned exteriorly of the casing for indicating the pressure at which the gas is administered.

8. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gas and including a base, a panel secured to said base, a pressure reducing valve mounted on said base, a gauge mounted on said panel, means interconnecting the high pressure side of said valve and said gauge, a block secured to said panel, a member mounted in said block and to which a source of gasmay be connected and communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and with said gauge and having means for unseating a valve in the source of gas to effect fiow of gas to said valve, compensating means associated with said valve and gauge whereby said gauge may be calibrated to indicate the quantity of gas admitted into said device through said chamber, a fiow control valve mounted on said pressure reducing valve and communicating with the low pressure side of said pressure reducing valve, an operating handle for said flow control valve and positioned in front of said panel, a socket mounted in said block and communicating with the outlet of said flow control valve and in which means including a fitting to which a needle or nozzle may be attached may be removably seated, said flow control valve regulating flow to said socket and fitting, and means on said panel communicating with said socket for indicating the pressure of gas flowing to said socket and fitting.

9. A physio-therapeutic device for the administration of oxygen, carbon dioxide or similar gas and including a base, a panel secured to said base, a pressure reducing valve mounted on said base, a gauge mounted on said panel, means interconnecting the high pressure side of said valve and said gauge, a block mounted on said base and secured to said panel, a member mounted in said block and communicating with the high pressure side of said valve and with said gauge, means in said member for detachably connecting a source of gas thereto, other means in said member for unseating a valve in a source of gas attached to said member to effect fiow of gas through said member to the high pressure side of said pressure reducing valve, a check valve in said member adapted to be unseated by gas flowing to the high pressure side of said pressure reducing valve and adapted to seat to prevent escape of gas from said high pressure side when the means unseating the valve in the source of gas is rendered inoperative, a compensating coil associated with said pressure reducing valve and the gauge whereby said gauge may be calibrated to indicate the quantity of gas admitted into said device through said member, a flow control valve mounted on said pressure reducing valve and including a part extending through an opening in said panel to which an operating handle may be connected, a socket mounted in said block and communicating with the outlet of said fiow control valve and in which means including a fitting to which a needle or nozzle may be attached may be removably seated, said flow control valve including means for closing off flow to said socket and fitting and for gradually increasing the fiow of gas to said socket and fitting, and means mounted on said panel and communicating with said socket for indicating the pressure of gas flowing to said socket and fitting.

PERRY M. THOMAS. 

